I am hearing reporting along these lines more and more:
A consensus may be growing regarding quarterback Justin Fields' future with the Chicago Bears.
ESPN's Matt Miller reported Monday that "everyone I spoke to at the Senior Bowl" guessed the Bears will select USC star Caleb Williams and trade Fields for potentially a second-round pick.
Even after three seasons, it might be too early to write Fields off. He threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2023. Maybe a new offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron, helps to unlock a new level in the 24-year-old's game.
Doesn't mean there is any truth to it but I would be OK with a second round pick for Fields. If the Pats were able to get Fields, I would probably trade #3 for multiple picks. I am not of the belief that a single really good receiver (Harrison) moves the needle enough for a team with a lot of needs. Trade back and stock up on OL and multiple skill positions weapons. No need to put all your eggs in one receiver basket.
There would probably be competition for Fields if he was put on the market. It would not be automatic that the Pats get him.
There’s a reason Chicago is likely moving on from Fields. He just isn’t good. Do people think Justin is going to play better throwing to Juju instead of DJ Moore? If he wasn’t very good with legitimate weapons in Chicago, how is he going to be any good in New England. The Pats do have a lot of holes and it is likely going to take multiple drafts to rebuild. Giving up draft capital for Fields would be a mistake, IMO.
I think Fields *is* good. I think he's good enough to reach a Super Bowl if the rest of the team is very good. I think he'd be a good fit in Atlanta, or maybe Vegas, where there are some weapons around him. The difference between Fields and Jalen Hurts is that Hurts has two excellent receivers and a very good line.
I tend to agree on New England, though. They've got too many offensive holes. Now, they could draft Marvin Harrison and immediately would have a #1 receiver, but the line is still spotty as heck.
As for why the Bears are likely moving on... Fields is good, but he's not "great". Williams has the potential to be a top-5 QB, and when that player becomes available, there's a huge temptation to gamble that he'll hit his upside. Plus, it rests the salary cap clock on the QB position.
As a Bears fan, my ideal draft would probably be to keep Fields, trade #1 for #2 + Washington's two seconds, draft Marvin Harrison and one of the LTs (Alt being the preference), and grab a center and edge in the second round. That would potentially give the Bears an elite line and receiving corps going forward.